Is PVC bad for the environment or not?

Whilst PVC has some negative environmental associations due to it containing chlorine, it can often have a lower environmental impact than alternative materials, particularly in long service life applications.

For example, PVC water pipes are inexpensive, low weight and last a long time when installed. This compares to traditional terracotta pipes that have a large carbon footprint in manufacturing and transport, and often have a much shorter life.

In regard to cable, PVC is more easily recycled than many cross-linked alternatives, has a lower carbon content, and has inherent flame retardance without the need to compound in flame retardants that have a potentially higher environmental footprint.

When manufactured in line with best practice methods, its impact on the environment is minimised.

The Olex Lilydale manufacturing plant is regularly audited according to Best Practice in PVC Guidelines, so all PVC cable manufactured at this plant, which includes all copper low voltage cable is Greenstar compliant.